UAAP: FEU Lady Tamaraws try to extend their inspiring run

UAAP: FEU Lady Tamaraws try to extend their inspiring Final 4 run

/ 06:43 PM May 03, 2024

FEU Lady Tamaraws UAAP volleyball

FEU Lady Tamaraws in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament. –UAAP

MANILA, Philippines — Far Eastern University is daring to dream when it battles the twice-to-beat National University in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball Final Four on Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Lady Tamaraws won’t be contented with a Final Four appearance — the school’s first after missing the semifinals in the past two seasons — as they remain eager even when they’re facing the surging Lady Bulldogs, who swept the second round to clinch the No.1 seed.

Article continues after this advertisement

Manolo Refugia, a former FEU men’s setter-turned-women’s team coach, hopes to see his wards continue their Cinderella run, sharing his perspective from a player, who once fought for school pride in the Final Four when he was still playing.

FEATURED STORIES

UAAP SCHEDULE: Season 86 volleyball Final Four

“It’s always a good feeling to fight for FEU since before until now,” said Refugia, who brought back the Lady Tams to the Final Four after four years in his first season as head coach.

Article continues after this advertisement

What makes this season even more special for Refugia are the stories of his players, with the likes of Chenie Tagaod, Tin Ubaldo, Jean Asis, and other holdovers rising from being cellar-dwellers in Season 84 to this year’s one of the four title contenders.

Article continues after this advertisement

Another interesting angel is Congolese spiker Faida Bakanke finding her home in Manila and living the dream of a student-athlete.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: UAAP: With Final Four return achieved, FEU coach dreaming big

“The stories of my players, those from Season 84, those from last year, and when you look at their stories now you can see the results and that’s a good feeling,” said Refugia, who was an assistant coach in the past two seasons. 

Article continues after this advertisement

Tagaod, FEU’s main weapon in the past two seasons, is proud of her teammates after finally reaping all their sacrifices and hard work in the past three years.

“We came alive last year. Now, we’re fighting hard again. I’m proud of my ream because no matter what we’ve gone through, we’re still here for each other,” said Tagaod. 

FEU Lady Tamaraws' Chenie Tagaod.

FEU Lady Tamaraws’ Chenie Tagaod. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

But Refugia said that FEU’s inspiring story shouldn’t end with just a Final Four appearance, motivating the Lady Tamaraws to continue believing in themselves.

“This shouldn’t end here, we have more to show,” the youthful FEU coach said. “We’re going start believing in ourselves first as a team so we can show what we’re capable of against NU.”

Bakanke, Tagaod, and the Lady Tamaraws try to live another day and hope to prevent NU, led by the trio of Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, and Vange Alinsug, from reaching the UAAP Finals for the third straight time.

Facing a team that swept them in the elimination and armed with a twice-to-beat edge is a tall order, but Refugia believes anything is possible.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

“I keep on saying that we need to trust ourselves. It’ll be a good feeling to face NU. Once they realize that, they will give their best,” he said.

TAGS: FEU Lady Tamaraws, UAAP Season 86

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.